Cable with radial elements for conveying materials behaving as fluids through ducts

Abstract

Apparatus for conveying materials behaving substantially as fluids through ducts comprising a cable having a plurality of radially protruding spaced elements molded on it in such a way that each incorporates the protruding ends of a pin radially passing through the cable. The pins act, in cooperation with a swelling of the cable due to the penetration of the pin, to prevent the elements from sliding along the cable. The molded elements are also provided, with tapered extensions in the axial direction of the cable to avoid sharp variations in the rigidity of the cable.

I claim: 
     
       1. In a conveyor apparatus for conveying materials behaving substantially like fluids through a tubular duct with a flexible cable having a plurality of conveying elements extending substantially radially therefrom and fixed along the length thereof at spaced intervals, the improvement comprising a plurality of spaced pins that pass through the cable with either end thereof protruding radially outward from the cable in opposite directions, and a plurality of conveying elements, each of which is molded in place around a pin and the adjoining portions of the cable so as to completely embed the pin within the element. 
     
     
       2. The conveyor apparatus of claim 1, wherein the size of the pins causes a swelling of the flexible cable in the area of the cable where it passes through it, said swelling also being embedded in the conveying elements. 
     
     
       3. The conveyor apparatus of claim 1, wherein the conveyor elements have integrally molded therewith two extensions that extend outwardly in the axial direction of the cable from and surround the cable in the portions immediately adjacent to either side of the elements. 
     
     
       4. The conveyor apparatus of claim 3, wherein the extensions taper inwardly toward the cable as they extend outwardly from the elements. 
     
     
       5. The conveyor apparatus of claim 1, wherein said flexible cable comprises a core of braided textile fibers covered with a continuous flexible sheath, the pins penetrating through said sheath and core with the elements being molded around said sheath. 
     
     
       6. The conveyor apparatus of claim 5, wherein said fibers are of nylon. 
     
     
       7. The conveyor apparatus of claim 6, wherein said elements are molded from a hard plastic material. 
     
     
       8. The conveyor apparatus of claim 1, wherein said elements are in the form of circular disks.